Article: Roadside particulate levels at 30 locations in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal Journal: International Journal of Environment and Pollution (IJEP) 2002 Vol.17 No.4 pp.293-305 Abstract: Roadside particulate levels (PM10) at 30 locations throughout the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal are reported. There were seven sampling cycles from January to December 1999. PM10 levels ranged between 1000 and 6000 µ/m³ for 1-h sampling. There was no consistent trend in PM10 levels with respect to monitoring cycle, average precipitation or wind speed. There is no WHO guideline for PM10 (no safe exposure threshold), but the EPA 24-h standard is 150 µ/m³. The major sources of roadside PM10 include dust re-suspension from vehicular movement and human activity, and particulate emissions from old vehicles. Other sources of PM10 in the valley include cement and brick factories. Studies are currently being conducted to determine the lead content of PM10 from roadside samples. Additional studies are warranted to assess the potential adverse human health effects of acute or chronic exposure to high particulate levels reported in this study. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Roadside particulate levels at 30 locations in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Authors: T. Sharma, R.C. Rainey, C.M. Neumann, I.L. Shrestha, K.B. Shahi, A. Shakya, S. Khatri

Addresses: Nepal Environmental and Scientifics Services (NESS), Ltd., Inc., GPO, Box 7301, Kathmandu, Nepal. Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331-6406, USA. Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331-6406, USA. Nepal Environmental and Scientifics Services (NESS) Ltd. Inc., GPO Box 7301, Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepal Environmental and Scientifics Services (NESS) Ltd. Inc., GPO Box 7301, Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepal Environmental and Scientifics Services (NESS) Ltd. Inc., GPO Box 7301, Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepal Environmental and Scientifics Services (NESS) Ltd. Inc., GPO Box 7301, Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract: Roadside particulate levels (PM₁₀) at 30 locations throughout the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal are reported. There were seven sampling cycles from January to December 1999. PM₁₀ levels ranged between 1000 and 6000 µ/m³ for 1-h sampling. There was no consistent trend in PM10 levels with respect to monitoring cycle, average precipitation or wind speed. There is no WHO guideline for PM₁₀ (no safe exposure threshold), but the EPA 24-h standard is 150 µ/m³. The major sources of roadside PM₁₀ include dust re-suspension from vehicular movement and human activity, and particulate emissions from old vehicles. Other sources of PM₁₀ in the valley include cement and brick factories. Studies are currently being conducted to determine the lead content of PM₁₀ from roadside samples. Additional studies are warranted to assess the potential adverse human health effects of acute or chronic exposure to high particulate levels reported in this study.

Keywords: air pollution; environmental health; Kathmandu; Nepal; PM₁₀; roadside particulates.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2002.000673

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2002 Vol.17 No.4, pp.293-305

Published online: 14 Jul 2003 *

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Title: Roadside particulate levels at 30 locations in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

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